NBA Notes: Cameron Payne, free agents, breakout candidates

International

After reportedly drawing serious interest from EuroLeague power KK Partizan, veteran guard Cameron Payne is staying put in the United States, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

Payne was waived by the Pacers earlier this month and had the opportunity to head to Belgrade to join one of Europe’s top clubs. Instead, the 10-year NBA vet plans to remain stateside and wait for another NBA opening.

Payne, 30, has played meaningful minutes for contenders in recent years, including the Suns, Bucks, Sixers, and Knicks.

He appeared in 72 games for New York last season, averaging 6.9 points and 2.8 assists while shooting 36.3 percent from three.

His stint with Indiana this fall didn’t go as planned — he shot just 28.6 percent from the field in preseason and was released before the opener.

While Payne is staying home, another NBA alum is making the move to Serbia. Bruno Fernando has agreed to join KK Partizan, according to Javier Molero of Eurohoops.

The 6-foot-10 big man most recently played for Real Madrid and previously logged 220 NBA games with the Hawks, Celtics, Rockets, and Raptors.

Fernando appeared in 17 games for Toronto last season before being waived in January.

Free Agents

A handful of familiar names remain unsigned as the season gets rolling. Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report ranked the top available veterans still looking for homes, listing Malik Beasley, Ben Simmons, and Precious Achiuwa at the top.

We have a full list of available free agents right here.

Breakout Candidates

Jeremy Woo of ESPN spotlighted five young players poised for a leap in 2025-26. Among them: Payton Pritchard of the Celtics, Jalen Duren of the Pistons, and Andrew Nembhard of the Pacers.